UFC star Israel Adesanya has thrown his support behind a new bill criminalising 'coward punches'.

The bill would amend the Crimes Act to criminalise strikes to the head or neck in situations where the victim is not able to defend themselves.

It would also amend the definition of murder in the Act if someone were to die from a coward punch.

National MP Paulo Garcia first introduced the bill, and he says clear legal consequences will be a good deterrent to stopping these attacks.

LISTEN ABOVE

UFC star Israel Adesanya has thrown his support behind a new bill criminalising 'coward punches'.
The bill would amend the Crimes Act to criminalise strikes to the head or neck in situations where the victim is not able to defend themselves.
It would also amend the definition of murder in the Act if someone were to die from a coward punch.
National MP Paulo Garcia first introduced the bill, and he says clear legal consequences will be a good deterrent to stopping these attacks.
LISTEN ABOVE

We’re bringing you an exciting new era on Newstalk ZB with Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons.

With years of media and broadcast experience between them, this team brings a fresh and unique perspective to your weekdays.

Matt and Tyler dive into the latest news stories, share their opinions, and engage with their listeners weekdays on Newstalk ZB.

We’re bringing you an exciting new era on Newstalk ZB with Matt Heath &amp; Tyler Adams Afternoons.
With years of media and broadcast experience between them, this team brings a fresh and unique perspective to your weekdays.
Matt and Tyler dive into the latest news stories, share their opinions, and engage with their listeners weekdays on Newstalk ZB.

Matt Heath and Tyler Adams dive into the latest news stories, share their opinions, and engage with their listeners weekdays on Newstalk ZB.

Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons

Paulo Garcia: National MP on the new bill designed to criminalise 'coward punches'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0e843ce2-73f1-44ac-a7ff-b27a00106ac2/transcript

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 29th of May 2026 - The Budget saw a welcome extension to stays in hospital for mothers giving birth.

The our Afternoons duo delved into the deepening saga of the Crusaders horses.

Then - Should you dress up for a restaurant meal?

Plus the NZer of The Week and an interview with the Director of NZ movie Caterpillar Chelsie Preston Crayford.

Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

LISTEN ABOVE

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 29th of May 2026 - The Budget saw a welcome extension to stays in hospital for mothers giving birth.
The our Afternoons duo delved into the deepening saga of the Crusaders horses.
Then - Should you dress up for a restaurant meal?
Plus the NZer of The Week and an interview with the Director of NZ movie Caterpillar Chelsie Preston Crayford.
Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN ABOVE

Full Show Podcast: 29 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/467d8689-3c07-46f5-82d8-b459004daa45/transcript

At the end of every week, Matt and Tyler name the New Zealander of the Week.

It's an honour that we bestow on your behalf to someone, or something, that's had an impact on our nation over the past week. 

There are three nominees but can only be one winner.

LISTEN ABOVE 

At the end of every week, Matt and Tyler name the New Zealander of the Week.
It's an honour that we bestow on your behalf to someone, or something, that's had an impact on our nation over the past week.&nbsp;
There are three nominees but can only be one winner.
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Matt and Tyler's New Zealander of the Week - 29 May

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/404e1842-8bec-4771-ac11-b459004728bd/transcript

Set in a run-down Wellington villa in 2003, Caterpillar follows three women living separate lives under one leaky roof.

Sixteen-year-old Cassie is all bravado and vulnerability, drifting into risky territory as she searches for belonging. Her mother Maxine, 52, is a formidable single parent and filmmaker on the brink of a long-awaited breakthrough, finally offered a greenlight—if she can land a star. Holding everything together is Huia, Cassie’s grandmother, 80, whose life has been defined by quiet service to family and a private obsession with raising monarch caterpillars, dreaming of one day witnessing the legendary butterfly migration in Mexico.

Director Chelsie Preston Crayford joined Matt Heath and Tyler Adams on the show to chat about her new film Caterpillar. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Set in a run-down Wellington villa in 2003, Caterpillar follows three women living separate lives under one leaky roof.
Sixteen-year-old Cassie is all bravado and vulnerability, drifting into risky territory as she searches for belonging. Her mother Maxine, 52, is a formidable single parent and filmmaker on the brink of a long-awaited breakthrough, finally offered a greenlight—if she can land a star. Holding everything together is Huia, Cassie’s grandmother, 80, whose life has been defined by quiet service to family and a private obsession with raising monarch caterpillars, dreaming of one day witnessing the legendary butterfly migration in Mexico.
Director Chelsie Preston Crayford joined Matt Heath and Tyler Adams on the show to chat about her new film Caterpillar.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Chelsie Preston Crayford: Director chats new 'auto-fiction' flick Caterpillar

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/833b5846-29ec-4a47-89d6-b4590044ea27/transcript

Paulo Garcia: National MP on the new bill designed to criminalise 'coward punches'

In 1 playlist(s)

Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips